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How Dog Fostering Changed Chris’s Life
After losing his much-loved dog Caesar, Chris wasn't ready to adopt again. Fostering gave him another way to help dogs, starting with one, then moving on to many more.
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Content warning
There may be distressing images of animal cruelty and neglect in this story.
“It didn't feel right that there wasn't a dog in the house”
Chris and Victoria adopted their dog Caesar from one of our animal centres in 2012. He was part of their family for nearly 12 years.
When Caesar died, Chris missed having a dog around, but he didn't feel ready to adopt another. Fostering offered another way to have dogs in their lives while helping animals who needed a temporary home.
“It didn't feel right to me that there wasn't a dog in the house. But I didn't feel ready to move on and get another one,” says Chris. “That's when fostering started for us.”
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Before
Bertie came into the care of RSPCA West Hatch animal centre via RSPCA rescue teams after being found emaciated and collapsed in a house and requiring emergency veterinary treatment.
After
Bertie initially went into foster care with Chris and was then adopted by a West Hatch animal care assistant.
A loving home for as long as they need it
Since then, Chris and his family have welcomed five foster dogs into their home, giving each one a safe and loving place to stay until they're ready for whatever comes next.
One of their favourites was Bertie, a bull breed dog who our rescue teams had found emaciated and collapsed in a house. He needed emergency veterinary treatment.
“He was a lovely little lad who just wanted to be friends with everyone,” says Chris.
During his time with the family, Bertie got to experience the routines, attention and companionship of home life. Chris and his family helped him learn what it was like to be part of a loving family before the time came to say goodbye and Bertie left for a new home of his own.
Chris and Victoria have opened their home to five foster dogs so far.
“Fostering has taught us so much more”
Chris and Victoria already knew plenty about caring for dogs after nearly 12 years with Caesar. But opening their home to different foster dogs brought new experiences.
And eventually, Chris felt ready to have a dog of his own again. The family has now adopted a puppy, Pompeii, from one of our branches. But that doesn't mean their fostering days are over.
“We already knew how to look after dogs,” says Chris. “But fostering has taught us so much more.”
Once Pompeii has recovered from being spayed, they plan to welcome more foster dogs into their home. Chris would encourage other animal lovers to consider doing the same.
“Anyone with time, space and a loving environment to offer should look into giving an animal a safe place to stay, just for a while.”
